Good Morning Gloucester

My boys are all about tradition.  That being the case, our yearly trip to Nantucket is incredibly important to them.  They are creatures of habit and it is very much the small things that help them look forward to the last week of June each year.  One of those predictable “traditions” is the 8:30 a.m. meet up in the Johnny Appleseed’s parking lot in Beverly with the two other families that we travel with.  We load up on coffee and munchkins, hand out the annual Nantucket team t-shirts, and then caravan to Hyannis to get in line for the car ferry.

With the vehicles safely in line, the kiddos are almost exploding with excitement…and the grown-ups get to begin the sweet transition into island relaxation.

With the go ahead, we drive into “belly of the beast”, say good-bye to our Jeep, and head to the bow of the ferry for lots of laughs, photo opportunities, and a few “we’re finally on vacation” drinks.

The excitement builds as Nantucket comes into view and Brant Point Light can first be seen.

Once off the ferry the next step is driving through town, down the cobblestone streets, past some of our favorite haunts, and eagerly anticipating checking out our new digs.  Which….typically do not disappoint!

I recently brought my mother, Jean, who is with me for the summer on Rocky Neck, over to the senior center.  I have tried to get her to go to senior centers in her hometown and while we were down in Florida, to no avail.  Rose Baker was different from the moment we walked in the door.  People (workers, volunteers and members) were outwardly welcoming and lovely.  We walked in last Monday to hear the end of Dave Sag and The Ole Salty Jazz Band, who were just wonderful, and I even got asked to dance by a charming man named Sam!  If you have free time between 1-3:00 pm on Mondays (they will be away until July 6), definitely stop in and break up the day with a little dancing.  I’ll put you on my dance card.

We have been back for lunch, which was delicious, fresh and lovingly prepared by Open Door.  Mom has joined in a singing group, and the supportive social day care program on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, which gives us each some time away from each other and with our own peers.

The Senior Center offers so many wonderful programs from computer classes, knitting & crocheting group, longevity training, yoga, tai chi, zumba, Bingo, meditation, Reiki, drawing, art program with our Juni Vandyke, swimming at the Y, shopping trips, hearing clinic, cards (some serious players there of bridge, whist and poker), pool room and so much more.  I joined mainly to get my mother to go, but there are a number of offerings I want to take advantage of (the benefit of being 60!).  If you or a loved one are reaching or well into their “senior” years, you owe it to yourself to check out the wonderful resource we have here in the Rose Baker Senior Center.

E.J. Lefavour

http://www.hobbithousestudio.com

What an amazing place we live in.  God certainly blesses Cape Ann and all who dwell here.

E.J. Lefavour

http://www.hobbithousestudio.com